Ville | Rouen à la folie | France | Eglise dite Paroisse des Bateliers

"The Parish of the Boatmen"

Located at the 8th Industry street on Lacroix Island, the parish was divided until recently between Catholic offices & Orthodox offices.

In reference to its dual function, the church is called "Saint-Victrice" for Catholic rites and "Saint-Silouane of Athos" during Orthodox rites.

Its offices are today only Orthodox but, forever remains the aptly named "Parish of boatmen" (it is found on the banks of the Seine near the nautical stop).

It was built in the 19th century in a style inspired by Romanesque art. Of modest dimensions, it has the shape of a Latin cross formed by a nave of two spans. It is not oriented.

The furniture of the church is, or rather, was adapted to its double dedication: the furniture intended for the catholic practice consisted of altars, statues, votive offerings when that intended for the orthodox practice comprises iconostasis * and cross.

Stained glass windows are dedicated to the inland water shipping. One represents a saint (which one?) Perched on the back forecastle of a nave, the other Saint Christophe with, in the background, a barge.
These stained glass windows date from the 20th century.

* An iconostasis : (from ancient Greek : " εἰκονοστάσιον" (read: ikonostasion): "erect images") is a partition, of wood or stone, which, in the churches of the Byzantine rite , particularly orthodox , separates the places where the celebrating clergy ( sanctuary) of the rest of the church where the choir , non-celebrating clergy and the faithful are held.

"The parish of the boatmen", "Saint Silouane of Athos", "Saint Victrine"

... a small church with many names! ...

The parish of the boatmen - Rouen

8, street of the Industry Lacroix Island

The parish of the boatmen - Rouen

The façade is pierced by a triple window

The parish of the boatmen - Rouen

"Everyone preaches for his parish." -French proverb-

The parish of the boatmen - Rouen

"Who takes woman takes parish." -English proverb-

The parish of the boatmen - Rouen

"It takes poor people to make a real parish. Without the poor, the banquet of heaven would not be complete." -Normand Rousseau / In the shadow of the blackboards-

The parish of the boatmen - Rouen

"Comparing in love is already not loving anymore." -Jacques Dyssord / The Parish of the Moulin Rouge-

Freshly arrived on Lacroix Island in 2012, I thought I was hallucinating when I found myself facing a pope on the first Sunday we moved in .... wondering if I had inadvertently "loaded" one in our boxes when we left Greece?! ...

My first reaction was to tell him: " καλημέρα " (read "kalimera") ... my 18-year-old Hellenic habits were not going to be erased all at once.

The pope smiled and kindly replied hello in Greek.

When I told my son, baptized according to the Greek Orthodox rite in Paros, that he could go to church on the corner of the street, he looked at me with that air so particular to teenagers that seemed to tell me : "did you lost your mind!" .

No doubt he had had his dose in Greece where there is no separation of the church & the state. Suddenly, from his early childhood to our arrival in France, at his almost 14 years, he was cradled by Orthodoxy & its rites. For his schooling registration, I had to provide the baptism certificate.

At school, pope ceremony at the start of the school year to bless the new school year & pupils' blessing them with an olive branch. Every morning at the bell, general prayer and then at work! without forgetting the visits to the church " Παναγια εκατονταπυλιανη " (read: "Panagia ekatontapiliani") in group at each religious holiday (recreational outing for students always serious however when they entered the saint of saints).

Living in Greece, I complied with the rules, even if I was not baptized. If I had been, I would have preferred either Orthodox than Catholic, finding the first more tolerant. All this was "normal"for my son, was part of his education, he taught me some of the rites when I was not sure.

I have always considered that out of respect & desire for integration, I had to know a minimum of it especially since the Greeks are very believing and practicing .... imagine that they even make the sign of the cross just by passing in front the least religious building.

Religion is an integral part of their daily life, superstitions as well as for example; " Το κακό μάτι "(read:" To kako mati "(the evil eye))

In Greece, my superstitions have strongly developed, so I brought with me this talisman which is in the rooms of our apartment. I can not part with it, I also kept certain gestures like pretending to spit on the ground so that a compliment does not become bad luck, especially when it comes to a child. It may seem crazy but it's like that !

Besides, if you wanted to know more about this belief of the "evil eye", I recommend the page of Christine Moulin's blog dedicated to this subject which details it very well: " Greek blue eye " ....I found it funny to find myself in his words.

I believe that I should create a page on Greek customs and habits without forgetting the defects that I have acquired there and from which I cannot (do not want?! ...) actually get rid of. It is rooted in me, 18 years of my life anyway.

I cannot finish this page without presenting the church with 100 doors (Ekatontapiliani) of which I speak above & which reigned over our life for years. The blog of Paros speaks very well, click here

So yes, when I pass in front of the Saint-Silouane parish of Athos, I laugh at myself to realize my "Greek-style" automatisms resurface.

"Το κακό μάτι"

"Παναγία"

The Church of the 100 doors - Paros - Greece

"Παναγια εκατονταπυλιανη"

The church where my son's baptism took place.

I have a very good memory of the popes of Paros, the popes in general. Whether I met them in Paros or on the continent, they have always been accessible, without being in judgment, whether we are Christian or not, as is my case.

It is always with good humor that the pope who baptized my son asked me when he would finally baptize me!

I liked to meet them in everyday life, when at school they came to pick up their children; in a " καφενείο ", the corner cafe where they babbled, chatted like real gossipers. It was always nice.

Until I returned to France, I didn't realize how much they were part of my life.

As much as I feel at ease with a pope, the approach of a Catholic priest seems complicated to me.

The atmosphere with a Greek-Orthodox pope is rarely leaded; it is in fact without prejudice, easy-going.

It is due to nothing, if not to a human approach of the other. Never in the judgment, they are listening, if you are a believer, it is a plus, never an obligation, to exchange our opinions. They are even accepted by the unbeliever as soon as the person expresses his reasons.

Rouen with love ...

"The Parish of the Boatmen"

Located at the 8th Industry street on Lacroix Island, the parish was divided until recently between Catholic offices & Orthodox offices.

In reference to its dual function, the church is called "Saint-Victrice" for Catholic rites and "Saint-Silouane of Athos" during Orthodox rites.

Its offices are today only Orthodox but, forever remains the aptly named "Parish of boatmen" (it is found on the banks of the Seine near the nautical stop).

It was built in the 19th century in a style inspired by Romanesque art. Of modest dimensions, it has the shape of a Latin cross formed by a nave of two spans. It is not oriented.

The furniture of the church is, or rather, was adapted to its double dedication: the furniture intended for the catholic practice consisted of altars, statues, votive offerings when that intended for the orthodox practice comprises iconostasis * and cross.

Stained glass windows are dedicated to the inland water shipping. One represents a saint (which one?) Perched on the back forecastle of a nave, the other Saint Christophe with, in the background, a barge.
These stained glass windows date from the 20th century.

"The parish of the boatmen", "Saint Silouane of Athos", "Saint Victrine"

... a small church with many names! ...

Freshly arrived on Lacroix Island in 2012, I thought I was hallucinating when I found myself facing a pope on the first Sunday we moved in .... wondering if I had inadvertently "loaded" one in our boxes when we left Greece?! ...

My first reaction was to tell him: " καλημέρα " (read "kalimera") ... my 18-year-old Hellenic habits were not going to be erased all at once.

The pope smiled and kindly replied hello in Greek.

When I told my son, baptized according to the Greek Orthodox rite in Paros, that he could go to church on the corner of the street, he looked at me with that air so particular to teenagers that seemed to tell me : "did you lost your mind!" .

No doubt he had had his dose in Greece where there is no separation of the church & the state. Suddenly, from his early childhood to our arrival in France, at his almost 14 years, he was cradled by Orthodoxy & its rites. For his schooling registration, I had to provide the baptism certificate.

Living in Greece, I complied with the rules, even if I was not baptized. If I had been, I would have preferred either Orthodox than Catholic, finding the first more tolerant. All this was "normal"for my son, was part of his education, he taught me some of the rites when I was not sure.

I have always considered that out of respect & desire for integration, I had to know a minimum of it especially since the Greeks are very believing and practicing .... imagine that they even make the sign of the cross just by passing in front the least religious building.

Religion is an integral part of their daily life, superstitions as well as for example; " Το κακό μάτι "(read:" To kako mati "(the evil eye))

Besides, if you wanted to know more about this belief of the "evil eye", I recommend the page of Christine Moulin's blog dedicated to this subject which details it very well: " Greek blue eye " ....I found it funny to find myself in his words.

I believe that I should create a page on Greek customs and habits without forgetting the defects that I have acquired there and from which I cannot (do not want?! ...) actually get rid of. It is rooted in me, 18 years of my life anyway.

I cannot finish this page without presenting the church with 100 doors (Ekatontapiliani) of which I speak above & which reigned over our life for years. The blog of Paros speaks very well, click here

So yes, when I pass in front of the Saint-Silouane parish of Athos, I laugh at myself to realize my "Greek-style" automatisms resurface.

"Το κακό μάτι"

"Παναγία"

"Παναγια εκατονταπυλιανη"

The church where my son's baptism took place.

I have a very good memory of the popes of Paros, the popes in general. Whether I met them in Paros or on the continent, they have always been accessible, without being in judgment, whether we are Christian or not, as is my case.

It is always with good humor that the pope who baptized my son asked me when he would finally baptize me!

I liked to meet them in everyday life, when at school they came to pick up their children; in a " καφενείο ", the corner cafe where they babbled, chatted like real gossipers. It was always nice.

Until I returned to France, I didn't realize how much they were part of my life.

As much as I feel at ease with a pope, the approach of a Catholic priest seems complicated to me.

The atmosphere with a Greek-Orthodox pope is rarely leaded; it is in fact without prejudice, easy-going.

It is due to nothing, if not to a human approach of the other. Never in the judgment, they are listening, if you are a believer, it is a plus, never an obligation, to exchange our opinions. They are even accepted by the unbeliever as soon as the person expresses his reasons.

As the popes were not lacking of humor, I felt comfortable with them; that they could get married, having children made a big difference.

Too bad the priests are deprived of it ....

I say that, I say nothing ...

" γεια σας " (read "yia sas") & translate by "hi"

"The Parish of the Boatmen"

Located at the 8th Industry street on Lacroix Island, the parish was divided until recently between Catholic offices & Orthodox offices.

In reference to its dual function, the church is called "Saint-Victrice" for Catholic rites and "Saint-Silouane of Athos" during Orthodox rites.

Its offices are today only Orthodox but, forever remains the aptly named "Parish of boatmen" (it is found on the banks of the Seine near the nautical stop).

It was built in the 19th century in a style inspired by Romanesque art. Of modest dimensions, it has the shape of a Latin cross formed by a nave of two spans. It is not oriented.

The furniture of the church is, or rather, was adapted to its double dedication: the furniture intended for the catholic practice consisted of altars, statues, votive offerings when that intended for the orthodox practice comprises iconostasis * and cross.

Stained glass windows are dedicated to the inland water shipping. One represents a saint (which one?) Perched on the back forecastle of a nave, the other Saint Christophe with, in the background, a barge. These stained glass windows date from the 20th century.

"The parish of the boatmen", "Saint Silouane of Athos", "Saint Victrine"

... a small church with many names! ...

Freshly arrived on Lacroix Island in 2012, I thought I was hallucinating when I found myself facing a pope on the first Sunday we moved in .... wondering if I had inadvertently "loaded" one in our boxes when we left Greece?! ...

My first reaction was to tell him: " καλημέρα " (read "kalimera") ... my 18-year-old Hellenic habits were not going to be erased all at once.

The pope smiled and kindly replied hello in Greek.

When I told my son, baptized according to the Greek Orthodox rite in Paros, that he could go to church on the corner of the street, he looked at me with that air so particular to teenagers that seemed to tell me : "did you lost your mind!" .

No doubt he had had his dose in Greece where there is no separation of the church & the state. Suddenly, from his early childhood to our arrival in France, at his almost 14 years, he was cradled by Orthodoxy & its rites. For his schooling registration, I had to provide the baptism certificate.

Living in Greece, I complied with the rules, even if I was not baptized. If I had been, I would have preferred either Orthodox than Catholic, finding the first more tolerant. All this was "normal"for my son, was part of his education, he taught me some of the rites when I was not sure.

I have always considered that out of respect & desire for integration, I had to know a minimum of it especially since the Greeks are very believing and practicing .... imagine that they even make the sign of the cross just by passing in front the least religious building.

Religion is an integral part of their daily life, superstitions as well as for example; " Το κακό μάτι "(read:" To kako mati "(the evil eye))

Besides, if you wanted to know more about this belief of the "evil eye", I recommend the page of Christine Moulin's blog dedicated to this subject which details it very well: " Greek blue eye " ....I found it funny to find myself in his words.

I believe that I should create a page on Greek customs and habits without forgetting the defects that I have acquired there and from which I cannot (do not want?! ...) actually get rid of. It is rooted in me, 18 years of my life anyway.

I cannot finish this page without presenting the church with 100 doors (Ekatontapiliani) of which I speak above & which reigned over our life for years. The blog of Paros speaks very well, click here

So yes, when I pass in front of the Saint-Silouane parish of Athos, I laugh at myself to realize my "Greek-style" automatisms resurface.

"Το κακό μάτι"

"Παναγία"

"Παναγια εκατονταπυλιανη"

The church where my son's baptism took place.

I have a very good memory of the popes of Paros, the popes in general. Whether I met them in Paros or on the continent, they have always been accessible, without being in judgment, whether we are Christian or not, as is my case.

It is always with good humor that the pope who baptized my son asked me when he would finally baptize me!

I liked to meet them in everyday life, when at school they came to pick up their children; in a " καφενείο ", the corner cafe where they babbled, chatted like real gossipers. It was always nice.

Until I returned to France, I didn't realize how much they were part of my life.

As much as I feel at ease with a pope, the approach of a Catholic priest seems complicated to me.

The atmosphere with a Greek-Orthodox pope is rarely leaded; it is in fact without prejudice, easy-going.

It is due to nothing, if not to a human approach of the other. Never in the judgment, they are listening, if you are a believer, it is a plus, never an obligation, to exchange our opinions. They are even accepted by the unbeliever as soon as the person expresses his reasons.

As the popes were not lacking of humor, I felt comfortable with them; that they could get married, having children made a big difference.

Too bad the priests are deprived of it ....

I say that, I say nothing ...

" γεια σας " (read "yia sas") & translate by "hi"

Stained glass windows are dedicated to the inland water shipping. One represents a saint (which one?) Perched on the back forecastle of a nave, the other Saint Christophe with, in the background, a barge.
These stained glass windows date from the 20th century.